Air mover system with reduced reverse air flow

Abstract

An air mover system is provided having plural air movers each mounted along an air flow path. Each of the air movers includes means mounted for forward rotation to generate forward air flow. Each of the air movers also includes means for preventing reverse rotation of the air flow generating means, thereby reducing reverse air flow.

What is claimed:  
     
       1. A system for moving air through an enclosure, said system comprising: 
       air movers each mounted within said enclosure and each oriented to generate air flow through an interior of said enclosure along respective air flow paths;  
       each of said air movers having means mounted for forward rotation to generate said air flow; and  
       each of said air movers having means for preventing reverse rotation of said air flow generating means, thereby preventing said reverse rotation of said air flow generating means of a failed or failing air mover in response to air flow through another air mover, and thereby reducing reverse air flow along said air flow path of said failed or failing air mover.  
     
     
       2. The system defined in claim  1 , wherein said means for preventing said reverse rotation comprises an arm mounted adjacent to said air flow generating means and to said enclosure, said arm being positioned to permit said forward rotation of said air flow generating means with respect to said enclosure and to prevent said reverse rotation of said air flow generating means with respect to said enclosure. 
     
     
       3. The system defined in claim  2 , wherein said arm is mounted to said enclosure proximal to said air flow generating means. 
     
     
       4. The system defined in claim  2 , wherein said arm is mounted to said air flow generating means proximal to said enclosure. 
     
     
       5. The system defined in claim  1 , each of said air movers having a motor connected to said air flow generating means for causing said forward rotation of said air flow generating means. 
     
     
       6. The system defined in claim  1 , wherein said air flow generating means comprises an impeller wheel. 
     
     
       7. The system defined in claim  1 , wherein said air flow generating means comprises a fan blade. 
     
     
       8. A system for moving air through an enclosure, said system comprising: 
       air movers each mounted within said enclosure and each oriented to generate air flow through an interior of said enclosure along respective air flow paths;  
       each of said air movers having means mounted for forward rotation to generate said air flow; and  
       each of said air movers having means positioned for contact with said air flow generating means for preventing reverse rotation of said air flow generating means, thereby preventing said reverse rotation of said air flow generating means of a failed or failing air mover in response to air flow through another air mover, and thereby reducing reverse air flow along said air flow path of said failed or failing air mover.  
     
     
       9. The system defined in claim  8 , wherein said means for preventing said reverse rotation comprises a bearing adapted to permit said forward rotation and to prevent said reverse rotation. 
     
     
       10. A system for moving air through an enclosure, said system comprising: 
       air movers each mounted within said enclosure and each oriented to generate air flow through an interior of said enclosure along respective air flow paths;  
       each of said air movers having an impeller wheel mounted for rotation in a forward direction to generate said air flow;  
       each of said air movers having a motor coupled with said impeller wheel for rotating said impeller wheel in said forward direction; and  
       each of said air movers further comprises a bearing connected to permit said forward rotation of said impeller wheel and prevent reverse rotation of said impeller wheel.  
     
     
       11. The system defined in claim  10 , wherein said impeller wheel is connected to a shaft and said bearing is connected to said shaft, wherein said bearing permits said forward rotation of said impeller wheel and prevents reverse rotation of said impeller wheel. 
     
     
       12. An air mover system adapted to urge air flow through an interior of an enclosure and through at least one opening defined by said enclosure, said air mover system comprising: 
       at least two impellers each having impeller wheels mounted for rotation;  
       a motor coupled to each of said impeller wheels for causing rotation of said impeller wheels in a forward direction to urge air flow through said interior of said enclosure; and  
       each of said impellers having a member positioned to be coupled with said impeller wheel to prevent rotation of each of said impeller wheels in a reverse direction, thereby reducing the amount of reverse air flow through said interior in the event of a failure of one of said impellers.  
     
     
       13. The air mover system defined in claim  12 , said member comprising a bearing coupled to each of said impeller wheels, said bearings being adapted to permit said rotation of said impeller wheels and to prevent reverse rotation of said impeller wheels. 
     
     
       14. The air mover system defined in claim  12 , said member comprising an arm connected to each of said impeller wheels, said arms being positioned to interfere with said enclosure in the event of reverse rotation of said impeller wheels with respect to said enclosure. 
     
     
       15. The air mover system defined in claim  14 , said arms being connected to said impeller wheels by means of pivots permitting movement of said arms between an extended position for contact with said enclosure to prevent said reverse rotation and a retracted position to avoid said contact during forward rotation. 
     
     
       16. The air mover system defined in claim  12 , said member comprising an arm connected to said enclosure adjacent to each of said impeller wheels, said arms being positioned to interfere with said impeller wheels in the event of reverse rotation of said impeller wheels with respect to said enclosure. 
     
     
       17. The air mover system defined in claim  16 , said arms being connected to said enclosure for movement of said arms between an extended position for contact with said impeller wheels to prevent said reverse rotation and a deflected position to avoid said contact during forward rotation.